Short time in Iowa leaves its mark

INDIANAPOLIS - Iowa was only a temporary home for NFL prospect and former Linn-Mar star David Parry, but it left a lasting impression.

The defensive tackle moved from Wisconsin to Marion with his family when he was in eighth grade. Four years later, he was named Linn-Mar's MVP, selected to the All-State team, and turned away several Ivy League schools - as well as the University of Iowa - in order to walk on with Stanford.

Still, the Hawkeye State had worked its magic.

'Even though I was only there for four years, I made a lot of great friends, a lot of people I consider family now,” Parry said at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday. 'And all those people have constantly showed support through college. So those relationships really mean the most to me.”

During his childhood, Parry moved from California, to Wisconsin, to Texas, and then back to Wisconsin before finally landing in Iowa. Throughout the constant scenery changes, he had a steadying influence in his older brother, George, who played football at Harvard in the early 2000s.

'He pretty much laid the blueprint for me,” Parry said. 'He played the game the way I try to play the game. You know, a little nasty, chip on your shoulder. He's kind of a third parent for me. Someone I can relate to a little bit more.”

Once at Stanford, Parry was able to secure a scholarship before his sophomore year, at which point he realized that the NFL could be a realistic possibility.

He flew into Indianapolis on Wednesday to pursue a career in the league, but the odds are against him.

CBS Sports ranks Parry as the 41st-best defensive tackle in the draft class, and the No. 570 player overall.

Based on those rankings, his name won't be called at the NFL Draft in May, but the Combine is his chance to impress coaches and scouts.

'It's been nonstop,” he said of this week's drills, interviews and other football-related activities. 'But it's also been a blessing. Anytime you want to start dragging or complain about what we're doing, you've just got to remember how lucky you are to be here.”

Parry will begin the official tests - bench press, 40-yard dash and vertical jump included - today.

LOUIS TRINCA-PASAT

As the son of Romanian immigrants, Iowa defensive lineman Louis Trinca-Pasat did not grow up in an atmosphere conducive to football.

'They were all about church and school and if we even thought about sports we'd probably get a butt-whipping,” Trinca-Pasat said.

Thankfully, the Chicago-area athlete was able to change their minds about athletics, and the about-face resulted in a scholarship offer at Iowa.

'They made it to every home game and most of the away games as much as they could and my parents are asking, ‘Why did the ref throw the flag on that play? What's going on?'” Trinca-Pasat said. 'So after the game they're getting all frustrated now, but they're learning the rules which is nice to see. They've always been great support, so I'm blessed.”

The 6-foot-3 tackle played wide receiver in high school at Chicago's Lane Tech, and has put on roughly 60 pounds since he stepped foot in Iowa City.

An avid film watcher, he remembers several ball carriers - not linemen - inspiring him to play the game as a kid.

'I remember just watching the receivers mainly,” he said. 'I just always wanted to be a great receiver. I remember Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, Dallas Clark, and all the great quarterbacks.”

CBS Sports ranks Trinca-Pasat as its No. 21 defensive tackle and No. 225 prospect overall. He's currently projected to be a late-round pick.

CARL DAVIS

It's no secret that star Iowa prospect Carl Davis is good friends with Green Bay Packers lineman - and former Hawkeye - Mike Daniels, but Davis elaborated on their relationship during his media availability at the Combine.

'He mentored me,” Davis said. 'Helped me understand the Iowa defense and the Iowa way. That's a guy I still talk to today. He still helps me through everything.

'I was always over at Mike's house. He's kind of on the field, even when he's off the field. He's got a loud voice. He always has to be heard. And he demands a lot of respect.”

Davis, considered by many to be a first-round prospect, also recalled a certain practice during his freshman year in which he went head-to-head against teammate Brandon Scherff in a blocking drill.

'We were going back and forth,” he said. 'I'd win one. He'd win one. We probably did about 10 reps until we were tired. We kind of shut down practice that day. The coaches enjoyed it.”

Scherff is a near lock to be picked in the first round, while Davis needs a strong showing during today's events to continue his rise up scouts' boards.